Galway need to turn heads with a dazzling score

GALWAY can verify their credentials as bona fide All-Ireland contenders in the hostile surrounds of Dr Hyde Park tomorrow. But if they are to make Dublin and Kerry stand up and take notice, they will need to do it with plenty to spare. The Tribesmen are 4/9 favourites to see off reigning Connacht champions Roscommon — a task for which they won’t be lacking motivation. They are still stinging from last season’s provincial final defeat to the same opposition — and particularly the facile nature of it. The Rossies won that game by a whopping nine points (2-15 to 0-12), Galway managing just seven points from play on a grim afternoon. They look a very different animal this season though, topping the Division 1 table and living with Dublin both times the sides have met (a combined four points separated them in two League encounters). Roscommon were a Division 2 side this year, and if Dublin and Kerry set the standard that Kevin Walsh’s side are aspiring to reach, they need only look at what those two have done since. Kerry put another Division 2 side Clare to the sword by 22 points in the Muster semi-final, and Dublin have an average winning margin of 20 points from their two Championship games so far. What price would Jim Gavin’s men be to topple Roscommon tomorrow? Shorter than 4/9 one would think. If Galway are to take that next step, beating Mayo (as they have this year and last) won’t be enough. They will need to put up a big score tomorrow. Back in 1998, Galway needed extra-time to get past the Rossies by 1-17 to 0-17, a goal from Michael Donnellan sealing the win. It was good enough back then, and they went on to win the All-Ireland — but they didn’t have a fourin-a-row chasing Dublin or a ravenous Kerry blocking their path. Galway are as short as 3/1 to win by more than seven points tomorrow. Should they not manage at least that margin, their credentials as 9/1 shots will not likely shorten.